The Waldron boys’ basketball team has been busy building a competitive atmosphere this summer.

The team started the offseason with a trip to Hanover College on June 9. On June 19, the Mohawks participated in a league hosted by Edinburgh and followed that up with a trip to Lizton to participate in the Tri-West shootout June 23. The team also battled Brebeuf Jesuit at the Pacers Athletic Center at Grand Park in Westfield on June 28.

Waldron head coach Will Staal, who will enter his second season with the program, likes what he’s seeing so far this summer.

“It’s nice, because we were able to play with different lineups,” he said. “Everyone plays a role for us.”

The bottom line is that anyone can find themselves on the varsity roster this upcoming season.

“Everyone’s working for it,” said Staal. “The guys are being extremely competitive, and that’s nice to see.”

Last year for the varsity team, forward Zane Smith averaged 5.3 points per game, as well as 7.4 rebounds. The senior has continuously worked over the summer.

“Zane had a really good summer,” said Staal. “I think for him it’s just about finding that consistency.”

The Mohawks will be without the now graduated Cole Adams, who averaged a little over 11 ppg. Cameron Wells also graduated after averaging 11.4 points and 3.5 assists per game.

Last year, Zeke Smith was only able to play in seven games due to injury.

A key returning junior for the Mohawks will be Parker Huffman. He averaged 6.4 ppg and can shoot from behind the arch. Other key players this summer have been seniors Drew Everhart and Cody Beal.

As a freshman last year, Tyler Bowlby stepped up and he’ll be asked to do so again as a sophomore. Averaging 4.5 ppg last season along with 3.4 rebounds, Bowlby has also been working hard this summer.

“Parker Huffman and Tyler Bowlby will play key roles for us,” said Staal. “Also, Shawn Cole and Ethan Trueblood are two players that played junior varsity last season and are having a really good summer.”

On the court, the team has had one main focus this offseason, according to Staal.

“We’ve been focusing on our defensive identity that our group of guys have,” he said.

Waldron has also been putting extra work in the weight room – although it’s not technically been in a weight room.

Renovations have caused the Mohawks to move their weight room outside.

For July, the team will continue with weights and workouts twice a week.

Katrina Branson is a Sports writer for The Shelbyville News. Follow Katrina on Twitter @k_b527.